Hit by a Vehicle as a Pedestrian? You Could Be Owed Thousands.
Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian is one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through. With no protection at all, even a vehicle travelling at low speed can cause devastating injuries — broken bones, internal injuries, head trauma and worse. If a driver’s negligence caused your accident, you have every right to claim compensation for what you have been through.
Scottish Claims Helpline handles pedestrian accident claims across Scotland on a no win no fee basis. There is no financial risk to you — you pay nothing unless your claim succeeds.
How Much Could You Receive?
Pedestrian accident compensation depends on the type and severity of your injuries:
| Injury Type | Typical Award |
|---|
| Soft tissue injuries and bruising | £1,000 - £5,000 |
| Simple fractures (wrist, ankle, ribs) | £5,000 - £15,000 |
| Complex or multiple fractures | £15,000 - £50,000 |
| Pelvic or hip fractures | £20,000 - £60,000 |
| Serious head or spinal injuries | £50,000 - £250,000+ |
Based on Judicial College Guidelines for pain and suffering only.
That’s not all. Pedestrian accident claimants also receive a separate payment for lost earnings, private medical treatment, rehabilitation, care and assistance costs, and travel expenses. For serious injuries requiring ongoing care, these additional payments can be very substantial indeed.
Who Can Claim?
Any pedestrian injured by a vehicle through the driver’s negligence can claim — whether you were on a crossing, a pavement, in a car park or crossing the road. Even if you were crossing at an unsuitable point, courts hold drivers to a high standard of care around pedestrians and contributory negligence will only partially reduce your award. If the driver was uninsured or fled the scene, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) ensures you can still claim. In fatal cases, the deceased’s family can claim under the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011.
Pedestrian Accident Claims — Frequently Asked Questions
Pedestrian accident compensation in Scotland depends on injury severity. Soft tissue injuries: £1,000-£5,000. Simple fractures: £5,000-£15,000. Complex or multiple fractures: £15,000-£50,000. Serious head or spinal injuries: £50,000-£250,000+. Catastrophic injuries can attract awards over £1 million.
Important: These figures cover pain and suffering only. Most claimants also receive a separate payment for lost earnings, medical costs, care and other expenses.
3 years from the date of the accident under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. For children, the 3-year period does not begin until their 16th birthday, giving them until age 19 to claim.
Yes. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) compensates pedestrians hit by uninsured drivers under the Uninsured Drivers Agreement, and victims of hit-and-run drivers under the Untraced Drivers Agreement. These claims are handled on a no win no fee basis in exactly the same way as standard claims.
Yes. Even if you were not on a pedestrian crossing, the driver still owes you a duty of care. Contributory negligence may reduce your award but courts hold drivers to a high standard around pedestrians. Most pedestrian claims succeed even where there was some element of shared fault.
Yes. Under the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011, the family of a person killed in a pedestrian accident can claim for loss of financial support, funeral costs, and a solatium payment for grief and distress. Children and other dependants may also have separate claims.
Straightforward claims typically settle in 6-12 months. Serious injury cases can take 18-36 months as it is important to wait until the full extent of injuries is known before settling. Most claims settle through negotiation without court proceedings.
How Do I Start My Claim?
It takes 2 minutes. Fill in our short form and one of our specialist Scottish solicitors will call you back at a time that suits. They will listen to what happened, tell you straight away if you have a claim, and explain exactly how much you could receive — all completely free and with no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, everything is handled for you on a no win no fee basis from start to finish. You pay nothing unless you win.
About this page: Written by the Scottish Claims Helpline editorial team. Reviewed by a qualified Scottish solicitor. Last reviewed February 2026. Scottish Claims Helpline is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (
FRN 830381).